It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the library of books it provides. But even I didn’t see all the free resources and activities they had until I spent a week actively looking for everything they had to offer. I was amazed at how much I got and had to pinch myself every so often to remind myself that it was all free or very low cost. Yes, I pay taxes to get these benefits, but since I have to pay taxes no matter what, I’m happy to get something in return.
27 Free Items in the Library
I live in a big city, not a big city, but a big city. If you live in a small area, your library may not have much to offer, but it may have many things that interest you. Your best friend is the library’s events calendar once it’s published. Take one and see what you like. Below is a list of 27 free items I found at my library.
1. Free Books
This is the main reason for the existence of the library. Many libraries offer free billing privileges to residents or there may be a small fee to obtain a card. If you live outside the local library, you may have to pay a small fee to get the card, but it may be much less than the cost of the books.
2. Audiobooks
Our library now offers audiobooks on tape and CDs, in addition to print books. Perfect for long car trips or the visually impaired.
3. DVDs
Many libraries offer DVDs for you to check out. It may not be a new release, and you may have to waitlist for popular titles, but it can be a great way to get free entertainment.
4. CDs
Like DVDs, many libraries offer audio CDs. It can be a great way to listen to new and different music that you wouldn’t normally try.
5. Sale of Books
When a library cleans out its old items and unwanted donations, it sells those books to the public to raise money for new items. Prices vary, but it’s rare to find hardbacks under $5 and paperbacks under $1. Some are on sale until clearance dates when you pay down a bag or letter box.
6. Internet Access
Our library offers free internet access, either on their terminals or via a WiFi network that you can use with your laptop. Some sites are closed, but most sites are accessible. Great if you don’t want to pay for internet access at home.
7. Computer Access
In addition to Internet access, the library offers computers loaded with Microsoft Office applications and other resources. They are free to use, and you only pay per page if you need to print something. If you don’t use a computer often and don’t want to own one, this is a great device.
8. Free Magazines
The library disposes of its old magazines in a bin where anyone can pick them up. They also allow patrons to bring in their old magazines for others to pick up. This can be a great way to save on some free learning materials.
9. Book Groups
You can find a book club for almost any interest, from fiction to non-fiction. Others are less focused such as those dedicated to specific authors, genres, or non-fiction subjects. At my library, patrons are encouraged to request a book club or offer to start one if there isn’t one that suits their interest.
10. Art exhibitions
Our library hosts free exhibitions of art, collections, and other skills of residents. This is fun to watch and a great way to get exposure for your work if you have something to show.
11. Free Bookmarks
Our library offers free bookmarks. They change seasonally or are printed for special upcoming events.
12. Coupons for Local Attractions and Businesses
Many businesses leave coupons and coupon books at checkout or with items of “local interest” in the lobby. These are free for patrons to pick up and are usually high dollar coupons.
13. Free Classes
There are all kinds of classes in the library, including language courses, writing classes, methodology courses, business and finance classes, and computer classes. There are also other specialized classes, throughout the year that provide various levels of education.
14. For Children’s Entertainment
Games, cartoon shows, arts and crafts, story times, scavenger hunts and other entertainment are available for children. Some things, like arts and crafts, may require a small fee for materials, but almost everything is free.
15. Literacy classes
If you or your child needs help with reading and writing, the library has volunteers trained in literacy education who are ready to help.
16. Reference Help
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Most librarians are great at helping you track down obscure tasks, facts, or figures. In some libraries, you don’t even need to leave your house as they provide online access to the librarian. Their help is free.
17. Intermediate Book Loan
Many libraries have partnerships with other libraries and can request books from other programs for their patrons to use. In our library, we can find books from almost any university or library system in the country. Depending on the library, there may be a small fee for this service, but it is much lower than the cost of the book.
18. Free Access to Popular Databases
As a patron librarian, I can access online databases such as LexisNexis, EBSCO, and PsychInfo and search the archives of major newspapers and encyclopedias for free. The library pays a subscription fee for these services. If not the library, I would have to pay.
19. Professional Assistance
Sometimes the library brings in different experts to help with problems. During tax season, accountants and tax preparers volunteer their time to help. Sometimes medical professionals and lawyers come in to answer questions or give free advice. Other subject matter experts are available at other times of the year.
20. Lectures, Storytelling Festivals, and Speaker Series’
Writers, important citizens, professors, artists, storytellers, and other famous people are often invited to speak on topics of interest or promote their efforts. This may be a one-off appearance or an ongoing series’ covering a variety of topics.
21. Free Movies
No, they’re not first-run movies, but the library often offers free screenings. Most of the offerings are movies based on books, but sometimes they offer other movies just for fun.
22. Free Concerts
Local bands and musicians sometimes perform at concerts hosted by the library. The music may have a theme, such as music for study time or the selection may be based on a holiday.
23. Summer Learning Programs and Competitions
In the summer, the library offers reading programs for both adults and children. Students enter weekly prize drawings and an end of summer grand prize drawing. Children also receive other incentives such as stickers and gift certificates to local local stores.
24. Help with Teaching and Homework
Students can get free help with their homework or get extra tutoring. The library maintains a volunteer staff of subject specialists with teaching experience to help children navigate their homework.
25. Mobile book
This free service delivers books to those who can’t get out.
26. Reading List
If I don’t know what to read next, or I’m looking for more books on a topic, there’s nothing better than a ready-made list to pique my interest. Some lists are “staff-selected,” while others are “If you like X, try Y,” list suggestions. There is also a list of all kinds of fiction and non-fiction.
27. Youth Activities
Many libraries offer innovative community activities such as book clubs, classes, pizza nights, karaoke, and games. It is a safe place for young people to meet other young people.
Whatever the size of your library system, you’re likely to find many free or low-cost resources that will interest you. A library is one of the best benefits you have as a resident of a community, and I encourage you to use whatever they have to offer. If you can, consider returning donations of money, time, or books you no longer want. Your gifts will allow your library to expand its offerings and reach more people.
Does your library offer other free materials? Share with us in the comments below!
Read more:
- How to Start a Lending Library for Your Organization
- 20 Best Personal Finance Books
- Ways to Save Money on Homeschooling
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